With quality, diversity, nutrition and convenience being important criteria, foreign brands that cater to busy urban lifestyles and customers’ needs are preferred. Fruit, meat and seafood from Australasia, South-East Asia and South America are among the most popular goods with categories like beef and shrimp rising 6-fold.

These trends show great opportunities for quality food brands, but it is crucial to be aware of the differences in customer segments and regions, and knowing how to cater to them in a discerning market like Mainland China.